About

A coloring book with a collection of KeithTattoo’s hand drawn Japanese tattoo illustrations.

Japanese Tattoo Coloring Book

KeithTattoo is an American tattoo artist living in Lyon, France. For over 20 years he's been tattooing the most beautiful illustrations of nature, mythical creatures, warriors, and geishas in the traditional Japanese tattoo style.

KeithTattoo in his studio in Lyon

Traditional Japanese tattoos

Everything starts with an idea. A person. A purpose.

A quick sketch and then it's straight to drawing on the body to determine the shapes and volumes of an emerging design. It has to fit the future wearer's body shape precisely.

Then after days and sometimes weeks of constant refining, redrawing, modifications, it's ready. Tattooing starts and the journey to permanently changing a person's body continues.

The koi fish theme is extremely popular and makes for beautifully dynamic tattoos.

A dragon curling and floating in the sky symbolizes a highly magical creature.

Natural elements like the wind, sky, and clouds are layered and intertwined with floral elements.

Designs are brought to life through the ink’s vibrancy and contrast. Go bold!

Hannya masks and other demons are traditionally protectors and good luck omens.

The Project

Hi there, I'm Tigrish. I went under Keith’s needles after my two children were born and now proudly wear amazing tiger and dragon tattoos on both of my arms.

The permanence of the tattoos, what they represent, and the high level of artistry have a truly profound meaning to me and I can’t thank Keith enough for this life-changing experience.

Over the course of our tattooing sessions Keith and I struck up a friendship and a connection. Amid the ink and the blood, and (not too many) tears, we discussed the beauty and the complexity of irezumi tattoos and their deep roots into Japanese traditions and mythology.

Keith received some requests for prints of his work to color in, and we immediately had the idea of combining my print and design experience with his unique and original drawings to create a beautiful coloring book.

Keith and I have been working on the idea of a book called Japanese Tattoos From The Floating World since late 2016.

Preview

Front cover rendering

Some designs are complex and will need planning before executing perfectly

Colored example

A great variety of traditional themes can be found throughout this book with vary levels of details for all skill levels.

We believe this book is special. Not only for KeithTattoo’s wonderful illustrations but because it will enable all of us, regardless of our age to immerse ourselves in these intricate works of art and contemplate their balance and meaning.

Also it's pretty badass! ⚡️

Features

9.8"x9.8" / 25x25cm case bound hard cover that opens flat.

40 black and white renditions of original KeithTattoo illustrations. 1 illustration per page to prevent issues with color bleed-through.

Printed on the highest quality 170 gsm Multi Offset paper.

Suitable for drawing with almost any coloring medium: pencil, crayon, gel pens, ink, marker, pastels, water color, and gouache.

Rewards

Original painting

Hand drawn on cotton paper by KeithTatto and painted in water color and Chinese ink.

Size: 35cm x 31.5cm.

Risks and challenges

The design work for the book is almost complete and is expected to be done by the time the project is funded. We've done quite a bit of research on printers and have found a reliable printing company with a stellar recommendation.

I think the biggest challenge could be in the fulfillment of the book order. There is an approximate turn-around time of 6-8 weeks once we place the order. We expect to have all the books and rewards in your hands before the end of 2017.

Whatever challenges may arise, we’re confident that the book will be delivered as promised and the quality will be exceptional.